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The Community Heritage Project is a Heritage Lottery Funded initiative that aims to raise awareness of Middleham’s diverse heritage through a variety of events and activities.


Our racing heritage


Middleham Castle


St Mary & St Alkeldas Church

A Heritage Steering Group meet regularly to discuss ideas for the project and to help plan an events programme.  Members of the Steering Group include representatives from the community, local voluntary groups and organisations.

 

Examples of the types of events taking place include exhibitions, talks and history walks. Details of past events are listed below. Forthcoming events are detailed in the 'What’s On' page on this website. See below details of events so far...

 

If you would like to find out more or get involved with the Heritage Project
as a volunteer please contact:
Keeley Metcalfe: Tel:    07500272929                             or e-mail:  keeleymetcalfe@btinternet.com 


UNVEILING OF NEW VISITOR INFORMATION PANELS

On Saturday 13th March 2010 The Right Honourable William Hague MP came to our town to unveil
one of the new visitor information panels which have been organised by the Middleham Heritage Group with the support of Heritage Lottery. At present there are four of these panels - one in the lower market place, the one pictured above is in front of the fountain at West End. There is one on the Low Moor and one by the Rubbing Houses near the High Moor Gallops

November 2008 - ongoing
 A preliminary introduction to the Middleham Reminiscence Project was held in mid November.  People were invited to come along and find out more about the project and share memories. The Reminiscence project continued with a series of four workshops throughout January and February 2009.  Participants shared recollections based on two themes; ‘Horse Racing’ and ‘Momentous Markers’ and produced visual Memory Boards to record personal memories.  This project was very well received and extremely well attended with several participants travelling from as far as Bridlington, York and Leeds.  Over 22 people took part and many contributed old photographs and memorabilia for the Memory Boards which will be on display at future heritage events.

February 2009 - Presentation – Middleham’s Rubbing Houses
 This evening presentation aimed to provide an insight into the history and use of Middleham’s Rubbing Houses.  These buildings are situated on the High Moor and were formerly used regularly for the training of racehorses.  This presentation attracted a large audience with over 30 participants, many with a keen interest in racing.  The evening raised some interesting questions about whether there are any other Rubbing Houses still standing in the UK and promoted further interest from individual members of the audience.

April 2009 - Presentation – The History of Middleham Castle
An interesting presentation was delivered by Mr J. Fox and his son, producers of the Loyalty Binds Me; a Royal Residence DVD, that describes in details the history of Middleham Castle using computer imagery to re-construct how the castle may have formerly looked.  This talk attracted a large audience of approximately 35 people who were informed as to how the castle would have functioned throughout the ages and the different residents.

April 2010  Good Friday - Stables Open Day
This annual event is organised by the Middleham Key Centre and involves all of the racehorse trainers opening up their yards for members of the public to view.  Other attractions throughout the day include:-
Country Fair • Leyburn Band • Trade Stands • Heritage Group Racing Exhibition in the Key Centre 11.00am to 2.30pm • Refreshments and lunches in local pubs, cafés, hotels, St Alkelda's Church, The Methodist Chapel and the Key Centre

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"Valuing our heritage - Investing in our future"
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund sustains and transforms our heritage. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions they invest in every part of our diverse heritage. Over the next 5 years they plan to invest some £1bn in heritage projects for everyone to take part in, learn from and enjoy.
 

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